""""I don't think in today's world that it's possible to retire on a shoestring anymore. It really costs a lot to retire"

If you want to retire, you need to have a very good handle on your current expenses, and future expenses.

Learning good budgeting skills, and being able to stick to a 'spending plan' minimizes your need for 'lots' of money.

That said, you shouldn't be planning to take more than 4%, inflation adjusted, out of your nest egg each year.... If you have a million dollar net worth, that means $40,000 yr you can take out year one.....

Many people retire and live on under $20,000 (more half of all people currently getting social security).